Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BEFORE THE DOORS, by FRIEDRICH RUCKERT



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BEFORE THE DOORS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I went to knock at riches' door
Last Line: But still—in the grave—there's room for more.
Alternate Author Name(s): Raimar, Freidmund
Subject(s): Graves; Tombs; Tombstones


I WENT to knock at Riches' door;
They threw me a farthing the threshold o'er.

To the door of Love did I then repair—
But fifteen others already were there.

To Honor's castle I took my flight—
They opened to none but to belted knight.

The house of Labor I sought to win—
But I heard a wailing sound within.

To the house of Content I sought the way—
But none could tell me where it lay.

One quiet house I yet could name,
Where last of all, I'll admittance claim;

Many the guests that have knocked before,
But still—in the grave—there's room for more.





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